THE YOUNG MEN walked out of the bus. All were well-dressed and flaunting their unique styles for draft night. Y/N was one of them, wearing a red blazer over a red-white plaid shirt. He also had white trousers and fancy red slip-ons.

Again, no socks.

After several photo opportunities, they entered the "Green Room" in Barclays Center. It wasn't actually a green room, but just a name given to the closed-off section in front of the stage where invited prospects sat with their families and friends.

Y/N went up to his table and met with the people he was able to invite. This included his mother, his grandparents, his agent, and Donovan.

He would've invited Zendaya and Hailee, but they were currently occupied with filming their respective projects back in LA. Zendaya was working on season two of K.C Undercover while Hailee started principal photography on The Edge of Seventeen.

That was all right, though. They made sure to let the young man know that they would be watching the broadcast and supporting him.

Y/N gave his mom a peck on the cheek and dapped up Donovan. He made sure to show his grandparents some love too.

"Damn! Looking sharp, bro." Donovan complimented his wardrobe.

"GQ helped dress me." Y/N replied as he fixed the lapels.

"Color is a little out there, though. When I get here I'm gonna make sure to rock a grey or black."

Donovan did not declare for the draft this year and decided to stay at Louisville for at least another year. His stock wasn't that high and he felt like adding a year of play would boost him up and get more eyes on him.

Y/M/N spoke next. She took out her phone and pointed it at the two.

"Smile! Smile!"

Y/N didn't expect the first couple of photos and laughed it off before posing for the next ones with Donovan.

"Feels like yesterday when you were running around and playing with the water hose in our front yard." Grandpa L/N pat the young man on the shoulder. "Now look at you."

Y/N chuckled. His grandmother came in next and embraced her grandson. But upon looking down at his feet, her brows furrowed.

"¿Que es esto? Sin calcetines? Los olvidaste o algo? (What's this? No socks? You forget them or something?)"

His grandmother was fully Hispanic and spoke Spanish 99% of the time. Her husband was born in the states, so his main language was English. He had to learn Spanish. In Y/M/N and Y/N's case, they were raised to be bilingual.

"Es una declaración de moda, Abuelita (It's a fashion statement, Grandma)." Y/N replied with a chuckle.

Grandma L/N looked at Grandpa. "Que significa esa mierda? (What does that shit mean?)"

"Mama." Y/M/N rolled her eyes with a laugh.

Grandpa L/N put his arm around his wife and laughed as well. Y/N greeted Rich Paul and they all sat down at the table.

Sometime later, the event began. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver came out onto the stage and walked to the podium.

"Good evening and welcome to the 2015 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets."

He thanked everybody for attending and the fans watching around the world. He also congratulated the Golden State Warriors, who beat the Cleveland Cavaliers and won the NBA Finals earlier that month. He mentioned their star players Stephen Curry being drafted 7th in 2009, Klay Thompson 11th in 2011, and Draymond Green 35th in 2012.

"Which of these young men picked tonight will be next to alter the destiny of his franchise?"

After a few more words, he began the draft. He reminded the audience that the first pick belonged to the Minnesota Timberwolves and that the team had five minutes to make their selection. The man walked backstage and the clock on the big screen started.

Four journalists at a table behind the green room, Rece Davis, Jalen Rose, Jay Williams, and Jay Bilas, provided coverage of the draft for ESPN. Their reporting is what everyone around the country saw on their television screens.

"The clock is counting down for the Timberwolves and we assume they are selecting Karl-Anthony Towns." Rece said.

Bilas agree. "Can't go wrong with Towns and his versatility. He has a chance to be a great player."

"I would say they take Y/N L/N. I wholeheartedly believe he is the best player in this draft..." Rose butted. "But a part of me wants to see him in LA. So, sure, take Towns."

Rece was told something via his earpiece and he began to speak to the camera.

"Adam Silver is about to make his way to the microphone and we believe he will announce that Minnesota's selecting Karl-Anthony Towns out of Kentucky...assuming there wasn't a last-minute change of heart."

The commissioner walked back on stage and to the podium. The audience in the stands cheered and Adam was prepared to announce the pick.

"With the first pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select...Karl-Anthony Towns from the University of Kentucky!"

Y/N looked ahead two tables away and saw the cameras on Towns and his family. The Wolves fans in the audience roared. Karl stood up and embraced his parents before being handed a Timberwolves hat by a staff member.

Karl made sure to dap up his college teammate and friend, Devin Booker, at the table he was at. He also went over to the L/N table and dapped up Y/N.

He went up onto the stage as cameras filmed and snapped photos of him. The commissioner exchanged a couple of words with him and shook his hand before taking a picture.

Afterward, Karl was interviewed by the same redhead from the draft lottery. As this was happening, the clock for the Lakers began counting down.

Donovan was making a Snapchat video and he filmed himself and Y/N at the table. They were goofing around for a bit on camera before Rich got out of his seat and walked over to him. He had his phone in hand.

"It's for you." He said as he pat his shoulder.

Y/N could barely hear him because of the loud environment but was able to read his lips. He took the phone and put it to his ears.

"Hello?"

"Mr. L/N, this is Mitch. The general manager for the Lakers."

Y/N was taken aback for a moment. "Uh...hello, sir!"

"We just wanted to inform you that we are selecting you with our pick. We're excited to work with you."

"W—wow! Thank you, sir. I'm looking forward to it."

"Have a great rest of your night, Y/N."

The call ended and Y/N handed the phone to Rich. Again, the agent pat his back and exchanged smiles with him before sitting back down.

Y/N lowered his head and rested it on the table. It was all coming true. His life was changing before his very eyes. Donovan knew what the call was about and gripped his arm reassuringly. The prospect held back tears as his mom rubbed his back.

Back on the small stage behind the green room, the broadcasters continued to cover the event. Rece spoke.

"The Lakers are almost out of time. They are coming off the worst season in franchise history in terms of number of wins. Kobe Bryant was injured, their lottery pick in Julius Randle broke his leg in his first game. The Lakers though, are intriguing on what they might do in Free Agency and how that may affect the pick."

"Absolutely. Those free agents are all power forwards. You've heard rumblings about possibly trading for DeMarcus Cousins, signing Love, signing Aldridge." Jalen Rose replied. "But I don't think they should trade this pick. Y/N L/N is right there for the taking and if they don't...my head will explode!"

"Wow." Bilas chuckled over his over-the-top reaction.

"I think we're overlooking Okafor." Jay remarked. "If you pass on him you're going to regret it for a long time."

Rece spoke again. "The clock has struck zero on the Lakers. They have a top-five pick for the first time since they took James Worthy in 1982. Here comes Adam Silver with the selection."

The commissioner came back onto the stage and the crowd roared. The graphics behind him changed and showcased the Lakers logo and colors.

"With the second pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select...Y/N L/N from UCLA!"

There were more cheers and roars as the fans in the stadium reacted. Cameras came up to their table and Y/N stood up from his seat. He embraced his mother first, then his grandparents. He turned to Donovan and did their handshake before facing his agent and bringing him in for a bro-hug.

"The Lakers fans in the building are delighted with the pick. Jalen's head will not have to explode." Rece reported on the broadcast as cameras followed Y/N. "What does this say about LA's plan for the future?"

"A...it says a lot about their confidence. B...we know Kobe Bryant is in his final year, therefore you need someone to lead the team in scoring...possibly assist...a combo guard who can make his teammates better." Jalen said.

"Are any of you surprised by the pick?"

Bilas shook his head. "I am not. LA guy that went to an LA school who grew up rooting for the premier LA team. It's as if it was written in the stars."

Y/N was given a Lakers hat by a staff member and walked toward the stage, making sure to dap up Towns, Booker, and D'Angelo Russell at their tables. He walked up the steps and met with the commissioner.

"Congratulations, young man." He clasped his hand and brought him in for a professional hug before parting. "How are you feeling right now?"

"It's surreal." He replied.

Silver nodded and the two turned to face the cameras in front of the stage where they had photos taken of the moment.

The ESPN broadcast continued their reporting and spoke about Y/N. A graphic of him and clips of his play showed on the screens of people watching at home.

"What does this guy bring you?"

"He was the best guard in the country during his time at UCLA. He is a dynamic scorer, he is big, and he is strong. He is an excellent shooter, shooting 43% from behind the arc."

"He is very good in pick and rolls, can attack the lane, one that does not shy away from contact. He's demonstrated that he can handle the ball."

"He's a willing passer. I know the gripe on him is that he doesn't seem to look for that first...but he averaged almost five a game. He can do it and can certainly improve. Same goes for his defensive ability. He has the size to disrupt opponents in his position."

"Jalen, what's your player comparison for L/N?"

"Might come as a shock to y'all...but who's had as hot of hand as he does? Ray Allen!"

"That shooting stroke is as deadly as what we see today with Stephen Curry. And don't forget, L/N has bounce. Very sneaky athleticism. He is smooth and he is crafty."

"Over the course of the calendar year, Y/N L/N has had his eye on him and the hype is well earned. He is on the side with Shanon, take it away."

Y/N was off the stage ready to be interviewed by the reporter. He was all smiles as he looked around. A camera filmed them live as Shanon began.

"Well, Rece, you just heard Jalen say he's smooth, he's crafty, something else he is...is confident." She turned to Y/N. "You told me yesterday that you felt that you were the best player in this draft because of your journey. What is it about that journey?"

"First off...man, I wanna thank the man above. I can't even talk right now. But the journey I've been through, the—the stress, the pain that my family's been through...um, it's just tough. It's a surreal moment."

"You're going to LA. You're staying in your hometown and playing for the franchise Kobe Bryant has led for the last twenty years. How does that sound?"

"I consider myself lucky to have known Kobe all my life. I've learned so much from him ever since I picked up a basketball. I've picked up a lot from watching him and playing with him those days in his backyard." Y/N replied with a chuckle.

He continued. "Even now, he wants me to improve and get better. And to do so in a Laker jersey...I'm honored and very excited for what's to come."

"Congratulations." Shanon said, signaling the end of their interview.

"Thank you very much." Y/N replied with a smile.

Shanon looked back at the camera. "Rece, the fans in LA should look forward to quite a show every night with this young man. Back to you."

Y/N went backstage. He was joined by the rest of his family and friends for photos as the NBA Draft continued.

•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

Tagged: Original_L/N

❤️ liked by dbook and 12,916 others

@/karltowns no surprise, the best guy went first☝🏾hope my dawg's okay with second 👍🏾

Comments 💬

@/Original_L/N ima be chillin under the sun while you in cold ass minnesota! 🤣🤣
^@/dbook speaking of suns ☀️😎
^@/dloading anywhere's better than minny ngl

@/Muftitheguy welcome to the wolves!!!

@/bleacherreport 🔥🔥🔥

• •

@/HaileeSteinfeld
WOOOOO IM SO HAPPY AND PROUD OF THIS MAN RIGHT HERE !!! (Ignore my ugly tv) AND IT'S JUST THE BEGINNING! THE SKY IS THE LIMIT! @/Original_L/N

1,025 Retweets 🔁 | 1,572 likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Original_L/N and you were there since day one! ☝️ Couldn't have asked for a better supporter 🥲
^@/HaileeSteinfeld 💛💛💛

@/Almod1119 does this mean ur a Lakers fan??? OMGGGGGG

@/CobrasPhantom idk why but I ship y'all
^@/purphaze77 she's with Cameron
^@/CobrasPhantom don't care + asked + ratio + L

• •

@/Zendaya
That moment when @/Original_L/N name was called #NBADraft2015

2,173 Retweets 🔁 | 6,983 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/edizpide marry me

@/Octane_the_Fallen I screamed and woke the baby. Now my wife forced me to sleep in the living room.
^@/notanaccident RIP

@/luxurylaw can confirm. I heard her all the way from my house.
^@/Zendaya why are you so annoying lol
^@/darnellappling nah he has a point
^@/Zendaya Ugh you're BOTH annoying

• •

@/StephenCurry30
Welcome to the league @/Original_L/N! Big things ahead of you! And looking forward to seeing which one of us has the hotter hand 👀

40.3k Retweets 🔁 | 65.8k Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Original_L/N circling that date once we find out when 👁

@/Alex_the_baller how about you challenge a REAL shooter like Devin Booker
^@/DevinBook I second this
^@/Alex_the_baller OHMYGOD WISNENCKUWHW
^@/ArifSyukri9 notice me too Devin

@/Jay_flame LeBron owns you
^@/Mystogun1 W Bron will beat him next year

@/AntonioRush7 Awesome

• •

❤️ liked by kobebryant and 19,338 others

@/Original_L/N 🎶 Now I'm on the road, half a million for a show 🎶

Comments 💬

@/spidadmitchell quoting drake lyrics now lol he put on a cap and don't know how to act 😭
^@/Original_L/N can't hear you from all the way up here
^@/spidadmitchell aight bro you still paying for dinner tomorrow

@/Lakers 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
^ @/Xandremago sign Jimmy Butler please

@/ironboybooks towns winning rookie of the year over you sadly
^@/laserigneous88 not if L/N has something to say about it
^@/ironboybooks you know what your mom says?
^@/laserigneous88 deez?
^@/ironboybooks wth is deez?
^@/laserigneous88 DEEZ NUTS LMFAOOO

• • •

IT'S BEEN A couple of months since the draft. Life certainly changed a bit after that. Y/N became a pretty busy guy, at least leading up to the start of the season.

Y/N played in the Las Vegas Summer League the month before, putting up good numbers and leading the Lakers to the tournament. Unfortunately, they were eliminated quite early by the eventual champion Spurs.

Y/N didn't take the loss to heart though and saw that summer league as a way to practice and improve his play against other young players.

Afterward, he officially signed his rookie contract with the Lakers. He was going to earn $23 million over the next four years, which was an average of $5.7 million a year. Again, it was such a blessing to be able to accept that money.

That September Y/N was asked to attend a photoshoot for Sports Illustrated magazine. It took place in LA and he was joined by two other rookies: Karl-Anthony Towns and Justise Winslow.

In a surprising twist, three other players attended. They were current NBA veterans and former superstars, having cemented their legacies already.

Kevin Garnett, Dwyane Wade, and Kobe Bryant.

"W—what are you doing here?" Y/N asked after seeing his mentor in the room.

"Didn't you hear? I was asked to be in the shoot too." Kobe replied. "Something about the new generation with the old."

It made sense. Towns would be in shoots with Kevin Garnett, who was the greatest player in Timberwolves' history. Justise would be with Wade, who was arguably the greatest Heat player of all time.

And then there was Y/N and Kobe. The incoming rookie alongside the greatest Laker to ever play.

"Sounds awesome, actually." Y/N remarked.

Kobe smiled. "Let's get it done, youngin. So we can get this over with and grab a bite or something."

Karl-Anthony Towns and Kevin Garnett

Justise Winslow and Dwyane Wade

Y/N L/N and Kobe Bryant

• • •

Y/N AND KOBE were at a restaurant in Fullerton, California. It was called El Camino Real and the Mexican eatery was one of Bryant's favorites. Y/N knew how much he loved it.

They sat toward the back of the establishment away from many of the current occupants. It was around noon so it wasn't as full as it'd be in the evening, so that made things easier for the two athlete-slash-celebrities.

They ate their food and conversed. The topic of school came up and Y/N asked about Kobe's daughters: nine-year-old, Gianna, and twelve-year-old, Natalia.

"Gigi's entering fifth grade in a couple of weeks." Kobe mentioned. "Nani's about to enter eighth."

"That's crazy. Feels like yesterday when I'd see them on your shoulders." Y/N replied.

He chuckled. "Oh, they're too big now."

"And you might be a little too old."

"Come on. I ain't dust yet. I could play four more years if I really wanted to."

There was a pause before Y/N replied. "Then why'd you make this your last year?"

Kobe took a bite of his food and stared at Y/N. There were a couple of seconds of silence before he responded.

"Because I knew you'd be there after I go."

Y/N gave a soft smile before taking another bite of his food. Kobe brought up another topic during the continuation of their conversation.

"Any girlfriends?" He asked.

Y/N chuckled as he looked at his plate. "Nah."

"Really? No one? Not even groupies knocking at your hotel door during the whole draft process?"

"Hell no. Is that a thing?"

"Shaq had a problem with that when we were on the road those years ago."

Y/N arched a brow. "Wasn't he married at the time?"

Kobe shrugged and chewed his food. "Why do you think he's divorced now?"

"Ah." Y/N said with a nod.

"What about that girl that went to middle school with you?" Kobe asked. "She ended up not going to Campell but you two still talked."

Y/N nodded and let out a chuckle. "Hailee."

"Uh-huh. Her." He said. "You've always had a thing for her."

"What makes you think that?"

Kobe rolled his eyes then gave him a look.

"Brother, please. My perception is peak on and off that court. Even Swaggy's high ass can tell."

Y/N laughed. Swaggy P was the nickname for his teammate...and Y/N's future teammate...Nick Young.

The young man didn't respond and kept eating. Moments later, his phone rang. The ringtone caught not only his attention but Kobe's since he's heard the song on the radio a few times before.

It was Love Myself by Hailee Steinfeld. The nineteen-year-old had released her debut track last month.

"And that's her song." Kobe remarked with a laugh.

Y/N fumbled to get his phone from his pocket. "I said I'd support her. I'm being a supportive friend."

"Okay."

He finally got the phone out and saw who the call was from. And oh the irony...it was Hailee.

"Uh...it's her." Y/N said.

Kobe raised both his hands toward the ceiling and acted as if he was opening up to the Lord.

"The signs are there. Ay Dios (Oh, my God), open this man's eyes."

Y/N shook his head and laughed it off before answering it. He put the phone to his ear and greeted her.

"Hey, Haiz."

"Y/N, I'm so glad you answered. I hope you're not too busy."

"Nah, not really. I'm eating with Kobe actually."

"Kobe's there?"

Y/N looked at the man across from him. "Yeah. He's here."

"Tell the nice lady I said hi." Kobe said.

"You heard that? Kobe says hello." Y/N told her.

"Oh, my God. Tell him I love him."

"I'm sure he hears that a lot, so..."

They shared a laugh. Y/N finally asked what was up.

"Well, you know that track you released a couple of months ago at the end of July?" Hailee asked.

Y/N remembered. He ended up creating an electronic-house-style track called Leave under the name Haddon. Y/N wanted to use the moniker when making music and it was based on the name of the street he grew up on.

(A/N: Leave is an actual song. It's a pretty chill yet hype track. I put it at the top banner in the media if you what to listen to it)

"Yeah." He replied. "What about it?"

"I showed it to some of the people at my label and they loved it."

"Wow...that's pretty cool." He said happily. "Th—thanks, Hailee."

"There's a reason I showed it to them. Uh, I'm planning on making an extended play that I want to release later this year..."

Y/N held the phone by his ear and listened in. Kobe kept eating and acted like he wasn't paying attention...but he was. Hailee continued.

"...and I want you to help me produce it."

• • •

A/N: We are witnessing the start of Y/N's NBA career...and a possible music one to go alongside it?

And will this new opportunity lead to Hailee and Y/N connecting even further?

We'll see lol